Shaq is sinking his size-22s squarely into the Massachusetts restaurant scene. The former NBA superstar, Shaquille O’Neal, will be opening six locations of his fast-casual chicken joint, Big Chicken, across the Bay State, including Boston, MetroWest, Cape Cod, and the North Shore regions. This move is part of a newly brokered deal with Restaurant Brands International, which is looking to build upon the eatery's existing national presence with over 300 planned locations, as reported by Boston 25 News.
A taste of the NBA legend's childhood, Big Chicken dishes out a menu steeped in personal history and contemporary zest. The brand, launching in 2018, boasts the kind of high-profile backing that would make most entrepreneurs blush: JRS Hospitality, the accomplished Vegas pioneers; the brand wizards at Authentic Brands Group; and the larger-than-life Shaquille himself. As per the restaurant's website, it's not just about the grub but the story each meal tells—echoing the life and essence of O’Neal through a medley of flavors including crispy chicken sandwiches, Cheez-It® crusted mac n' cheese, and decadent ice cream shakes.
"With a deep-rooted history in Boston and its restaurant scene, we are thrilled to venture into the exciting world of Big Chicken,” Barry Lattuca of Restaurant Brands International told Boston 25 News. Stressing that their involvement extends beyond the starry connection, Lattuca added, “When we went for the discovery day, we knew it was the right fit because we truly love the product and the passion behind it. We can’t wait to expand the brand’s presence along the coast of Boston.”
The locations for all six restaurants have been kept under wraps, though shoppers at the North Shore Mall can be certain of a new dining option soon, as Simon Property Group leaked news of an incoming Big Chicken branch in October. Eager fans of both Shaq and chicken sandwiches will just have to wait and see where the next dunks are going to be fried up, with existing outlets already dribbling out hot meals in locales like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and New York’s UBS Arena, not to mention on a trio of Carnival Cruise ships.
